Spinal cord injuries can stem from a variety of incidents. A person may have damage due a car wreck or a slip and fall. While many people associate these injuries with paralysis, it’s possible to have a spinal cord injury without paralysis.
You need to remember several things about spinal cord injuries if you’re ever diagnosed with one. These three facts are a good starting point. Ultimately, the medical care team taking care of you will be able to answer your questions in a more personalized manner since they take your injury into account.
#1: Effects are lower than the injury
A spinal cord injury’s effects are always noticed below the level of the injury. This means that damage to the upper spinal cord will have more effects than damage to the lower spinal cord. The only exception to this is the mental health symptoms that can occur with these injuries. All spinal cord injury victims may suffer from depression or other mental health symptoms because of the severity of the injury and the profound manner it affects them.
#2: Temporary symptoms are possible
The effects of a spinal cord injury are sometimes worse right after the injury occurs. The body will try to protect the spinal cord, which leads to inflammation. As the inflammation goes down, which is usually possible through the use of corticosteroids, the symptoms will begin to improve. While they may not go away completely, many people notice considerable improvement.
#3: Complications can occur
While many people will focus on the direct impacts of a spinal cord injury, some very serious complications may occur. For example, a person who has a cervical or thoracic injury may have trouble clearing their lungs. This can lead to pneumonia, which can turn life-threatening.
People who are injured in a car wreck should ensure they get the medical care they need. When a catastrophic injury occurs, the expenses can be considerable. Those victims may choose to seek compensation for the damages they’re facing. This may include more than just medical bills. They may also include missed wages and others associated with the injury.
